In one more week Emelie will complete her second full year of American Sign Language (ASL). During her first year, ASL I, Emelie learned approximately 600 signs over the course of the year and how to carry on everyday conversations with a Deaf person–including an understanding of basic ASL grammatical rules (facial expressions, body language, body shifting/direct address, listing, eye gaze, classifiers and gesturing). Emelie’s teacher also worked with the class to develop ‘sign to voice’ interpreting skills and an awareness of Deaf culture values.

This past year in ASL II, Emelie and the other second year students continued to develop their receptive and expressive conversational signing skills while learning basic interpreting skills. The course was designed to increase conversational vocabulary, teach how to translate English sentences to ASL, incorporate more non-manual behaviors, classifiers, and gesturing in the students’ signing, continue an awareness of Deaf culture values, and develop more ‘voice to sign’ interpreting skills. For the final project of the year students were required to translate a song into ASL.

In both ASL I and ASL II the students met once a week for 2 hours of class. They learned through games, role playing, songs, skits, field trips (some mandatory, some voluntary), and DVDs. Then, students were expected to complete their homework, including however much study time they needed to learn the material for that particular week.

In previous posts I have mentioned that Emelie is in the process of learning ASL. It seems to have sparked some interest because I have received a number of emails asking whether or not she likes taking ASL, what initiated her interest, if her coursework is done online, whether or not she plans to use it for her future, etc…so today I decided to let her speak for herself.

Please note that Emelie has a final year of American Sign Language (ASL III) to complete and recognizes she has years of learning ahead of her. Still, we are proud of her–she has worked hard to get to this point and is excited at the opportunity to answer questions that may spark a desire in another future student to get involved with, and learn, ASL.

Me: When do you first remember being interested in ASL?

Emelie: Ummm…I think it was 4 years ago in Missouri with Gram and Poppy. I was watching Gram sign some of the music they played during a worship service and thought that was kind of cool.

Me: Do you remember how you felt the first day of your ASL I class?

Emelie: I was excited and since I already knew the alphabet and numbers in sign language, I was feeling pretty confident.

Me: Did you lose confidence at any point after that first class?

Emelie: The last part of my first year I started losing a little bit of confidence after I took a test and made a C. There were a lot of signs in that one unit.

Me: What made those particular signs so difficult to learn?

Emelie: It was more of a grammar-type test I guess. There was just a whole bunch of signs. My problem wasn’t remembering the signs exactly, but grasping the concept of the grammar. It is so much different than English and it was difficult because we didn’t converse much at that point in the year–we were just trying to get through that one unit so I didn’t have time to learn it with my hands.

Me: What has been your favorite part of learning ASL?

Emelie: Probably the Deaf events. I still get a little bit nervous beforehand because I don’t know what to expect, but that is also what makes it my favorite part. Each time I attend a Deaf event I get to meet new people. Usually there are only a few people there, but twice there have been 20 or more people and I get so excited I want to pee on myself *giggle* — because it is so fun.

Me: You do realize I am going to include that you get so excited you want to pee on yourself, right?

Emelie: *eye roll* Believe me, I know.

Me: What exactly constitutes a Deaf event?

Emelie: A required part of our course. We have to go and participate in social activities with the Deaf – whether it is just hanging out at a Starbucks chat or helping with make-up and costume backstage for a Deaf Christmas play. A Deaf event is basically anything that a bunch of Deaf may be getting together for.

Me: What is the purpose of you attending Deaf events?

Emelie: We study a lot of Deaf culture, but you can’t really get a grasp of it without being involved in it or being around Deaf and understanding the language and just how they treat each other. It helps students learn more about the language and the culture. Also, we have to write a paper on the event and get graded – ha! It’s fun though – like writing a blog post.

Me: What is your biggest obstacle so far in learning ASL?

Emelie: The fact that I don’t know anyone who is Deaf and since we live in a small town there aren’t local Deaf events. I think when I finish ASL III it will be difficult for me to continue being in the Deaf culture without that.

Me: Right, which is why we’ve talked with Mrs. Karen about enrolling you in an Interpreting Training program through a local college after ASL III.

Emelie: Yes, I’m excited about that. I like to interpret and the little bit that I have done this year I have really enjoyed. It is difficult, but in a really enjoyable way.

Me: What do you think of Mrs. Karen, your ASL teacher?

Emelie: I LOVE MRS. KAREN. She reminds me of a mixture of two people I know and love. She really is something. She is strict, but not in a dull, boring way. She has a passion for ASL and the Deaf culture so it really encourages us to do better and learn more. She’s…Mrs. Karen. I can’t imagine having any other teacher but her.

Me: Tell me about the difficulty in interpreting the song for your final project this year.

Emelie: It was more time consuming than anything else. Just because of the grammar change, I think. But it was also my first time, so Mrs. Karen helped us more than she usually would. After I interpreted that song I interpreted another, which only took me two hours. A lot of the signs…well, when you interpret, each word doesn’t have its own sign, so it is kind of like paraphrasing in a way. That takes up a little time–trying to find the right signs, but it is easier than interpreting what a hearing person is saying in sign language.

Me: What would you advise parents of kids interested in learning ASL?

Emelie: For one, do not, and I mean DO NOT try to learn solely off of the internet because there is so much junk out there that isn’t really ASL. Recently I met a woman who is learning sign language and she taught herself from a bunch of websites she found online. Not everything you find on the internet about ASL is right and she ended up signing many things incorrectly–her grammar was off. There are things you can’t learn from the internet like mouth morphing and classifiers.

Even though she had passion for ASL, she was learning incorrectly so that may prevent her accomplishing some things she wants to do in the future.

Me: But if that is the only way people can learn – as in, they can’t drive an hour and 15 minutes like we do, what would you suggest?

Emelie: Yes, we are very blessed to be able to drive that far for my class, but for those who cannot…I would try to find someone who knows their stuff and see if you can get some resources from them.

Me: What do you see yourself doing in the future with ASL?

Emelie: I want to be an ASL interpreter.

Me: What exactly does that “look” like?

Emelie: I probably want to work for an interpreting agency. That is what Mrs. Karen has been doing for many years after her mission work with the Deaf. They send her to different places for different interpreting jobs and she said it is a very flexible job and schedule. Which I think I would appreciate with some of the other things I want to do with my future.

Me: Is there anything else you want to share about your experience learning ASL?

Emelie: It helps to make connections with people who also share an interest in ASL. I have three friends who are learning ASL with me and they’ve gone through 2 years with me and will finish out the 3rd year with me as well.

It’s an encouragement just to have people with the same passion as you. Also, you have to love your teacher. It is a big part of it. I really look up to Mrs. Karen and sometimes my friends pick on me and say it looks like I’m absorbing everything she says but I just want to learn everything she knows.

Me: How do you communicate with those friends using ASL since you are so far apart physically/geographically?

Emelie: Usually we Skype or FaceTime.

—————–

The ASL I and ASL II classes have been a significant commitment for Emelie in the way of preparation/studying. She takes classes at a Homeschool Co-op that is more than an hour away from our home. This means ASL is also a significant commitment for our family.

Still, she has pursued ASL with fervor and we want to give her every opportunity to seek out her desired future and work toward that end. It also makes us hyper aware of what Meredith and Kenny are finding interest in now–wondering if their current passions will expand in the same way Emelie’s has.

If you would like to see the song Emelie interpreted for her final project, “‘The Best Thing About Me Is You’ Ricky Martin ft. Joss Stone “ you can view it above or at Vimeo. Inspirational Credit: lankylistman

What passions have your children pursued/are currently pursuing? If a graduate, how has that passion played out in their lives?

Heather Sanders is a leading homeschooling journalist who inspires homeschooling families across the nation. Married to Jeff, Heather lives in the East Texas Piney Woods and homeschools her three children, Emelie, Meredith and Kenny.

oh heather, i just love emilie, she is a true original!! i always enjoy her videos and this one does not disappoint! she’s awesome and you have done a great job with your children….joanne (retired homeschool mom)

105

Sheila On Sunday, April 29 at 12:39 am

This is so exciting to see someone young excited about Deaf culture and American Sign Language. I love that she is not only learning ASL, but is being paired with something just as, if not more, important: the culture. I went to California State University, Northridge because they have an excellent Deaf Studies program and had the joy and pleasure of having Dr. Lawrence Fleischer as a professor before he passed away, along with many other phenomenal instructors. The program, to my knowledge, is still 2nd best, with only Gallaudet coming first for Deaf Studies programs. It may be worth checking out if this is a path she wants to really pursue. There’s a large Deaf culture here in LA (and San Diego) and it’s an excellent program and experience.

106

Saffron G On Sunday, April 29 at 3:38 pm

I went to Makaton classes. Makaton is a form of sign language for disabled children, it was recommended as my son is disabled and wasn’t supposed to speak. 3 days after I had finished my extensive course, he spoke which I sort expected to happen to be honest. I have know found 10 years later I barely remember it. So I hope Emelie should use her skill regualarly, use it or lose it!!

107

Sarah On Sunday, April 29 at 9:18 pm

Emelie, what an amazing and inspirational young woman you are!!!

108

Pejibaye On Monday, April 30 at 2:59 am

Emelie — I read this post a few days ago, while I’ve been traveling in Japan. This morning, I saw two women signing at the railroad station and thought: “I wonder how it’s related to ASL? Could Emelie understand them?”

109

Sid On Monday, April 30 at 4:14 am

Emelie, you ROCK!

While there are excellent programs out there in many cities, Gallaudent University is TOPS if you think you might seriously want to pursue a career with ASL.
What better place can you go where there are thousands of Deaf people?

I also have had the desire to learn ASL, I just think it is so great. We are having the opportunity with my son right now as he has had some speech delays, it has helped a lot. Great job, I hope you can keep it up.

111

JudyLynn On Monday, April 30 at 3:19 pm

Excellent job, Emile!

To answer your question – how early passions play out – our youngest daughter (we live in California) went on a week long trip to Washington DC in 8th grade. It had a profound effect on her. After that trip she became single minded about government, history and politics (my husband and I have science degrees). As a Junior in HS she was honored to be chosen to work as a Congressional Page in the House while continuing her studies in classrooms on the top floor of the Library of Congress. It was an awesome experience and she discovered she also had an interest in foreign affairs. During college (where her major became Political Science) she spent a semester abroad in Russia. She graduated college in May 2011 and times being as they are had problems finding work. We have always encouraged her to grow and follow her passions. She is now working in DC – a few blocks from the Capitol – for a non-profit NGO that specializes in programs assisting the poor in other countries. I am totally amazed!

112

beautiful 2x On Tuesday, May 1 at 10:47 am

In one of my previous comments I mentioned that I am rarely happy with ASL interpretations of English songs (this may be really more of a personal quirk than any truly valid reason – I am very fluent in the English language, it being my first language, actually, so I often feel more connected to the English version than the ASL version). Well, today I came across a Youtube channel of a hearing person signing songs using ASL who changed my mind. His ASL is not very fluent YET he is so entertaining and I loved his facial expressions and great attitude of fun; he approaches the whole thing very creatively and intelligently. Please check out CaptainValor on Youtube Seems he gained fame (or infamy? with ‘Party in the USA.” It’s all about intent – as long as one is coming from a place of openness and joy one certainly can do no wrong! Exactly like you, Emelie. I hope you enjoy CaptainValor as much as I do. To me his ASL is pretty good!

113

beautiful 2x On Tuesday, May 1 at 11:01 am

Incidentally, the largest deaf-blind community is Seattle, WA (they flock there because apparently the light quality of the Pacific Northwest is easiest on their vision – those who still have a bit of vision). So that is one avenue of interpreting (deaf-blind signers communicate tactically by very lightly and barely touching the signing person’s hands). I agree that Gallaudet is the most popular option, however, CSUN (Northridge, CA) and RIT (Rochester, near Buffalo, NY, where NTID – National Technical Institute for the Deaf – is located) are equally as good and more open-minded/flexible/tolerant in some ways. TX options are, eh. Lamar University in Beaumont, TX, is the closest decent option. Austin Community College is great – Austin is fast becoming a very large deaf population center; lots of Gallaudet graduates are moving there so there is a strong culturally Deaf community there.

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Karenliz On Tuesday, May 1 at 3:13 pm

Very impressive. My daughter graduated as a license ASL Interpreter from Columbia College Chicago in May 2011. She has worked as an interpreter right away. She fell in love with ASL by going to see a play and there were ASL interpreters there. She said they were better than the actors. She loves it. She now has a few clients that are death blind and although it was tough in the beginning her clients love you and request her now. She is now awaiting her scores for a licensing exam which will move her license up a notch. Her goal is to interpret theater. She said its very demanding, frustrating but so rewarding. Keep up it up!

I’m hoping ASL will fit into my curriculum at school as an elective and that it’ll be transferrable. If not I plan on taking it anyway. Possibly the Spring 2013 semester.

My cousin is deaf and I learned a lot when I was younger. I still remember the alphabet and a few other signs, though sometimes they completely slip my mind.

I’m looking forward to the challenge of learning ASL. I’ve been told that it’s not an easy class.

Also, I think it’s great that Emelie is learning it. She’s an awesome kid.

116

Jenn Oh On Thursday, May 3 at 12:09 am

Emelie: I like your video! I took ASL years ago and loved it too! You are good!

117

Baylee Barnes On Thursday, May 3 at 6:25 am

I want to be an ASL interpreter as well but I am scared because I am just now trying to find classes this summer. If anyone has any answers for me, like which is the best ASL program to take in Texas.I would love that. Emelie, you did a wonderful job and I am so bless that my mom found this and told me to look at it.

Thanks and have a bless day!

118

Lena On Friday, May 4 at 3:55 pm

Wow. This is SO great. I’ve definitely been toying with the idea of taking some real sign language classes (since I started teaching my children how to sign–been using SignShine if anyone is interested!). I’m going to have to start looking into it some more. You’ve inspired me! ASL to me is one the most beautiful languages–it can do good things for everyone and express so much emotion. Beautiful. Keep up the good work.

119

Kelli On Friday, May 4 at 8:10 pm

My daughter is also learning ASL, here in Fl we can count it as her foreign language. A local church offers classes (as they have deaf members and interpreters in the congregation) so several homeschool families attend together It’s hard work and Emelie is doing an awesome job!

120

Katy Belle On Sunday, May 27 at 8:36 am

I’m coming here to comment weeks after you posted because Emelie has stuck in my mind! I found this post, and Emelie’s video very interesting! I had never thought about the importance of body language, facial expression, etc.
At my sons’ Middle School they employ 2 ladies full time to sign for 3 students. At the recent Awards Ceremonies and 8th grade Farewell Assembly, I sat near these ladies and watched. Amazing! I loved the facial expressions and extra stuff they put in there. What I REALLY loved is that it was obvious that they were trying to convey the WHOLE experience for these girls! When kids would scream in the audience as a certain name was ready, she would sign the scream! When a random girl would scream “Madison I love you!” as her friends walked across the stage, she signed that! She attempted to sign the WHOLE experience. Of course. But I never thought about it! I’m not sure, but I think that when the choir was singing, she even indicated when it was just the male voices and just the female voices! Very impressive and such a blessing for the people that need her! They deserve the WHOLE Middle School experience! My son, 14, loves to tell jokes and the interpreter always signs them!
AND… We recently went to a Van Halen concert and I noticed a lady signing to one or more people. It cracked me up to realize how few words are in most songs. Watching her sign the song “Jump” was so fun! She was jumping a lot! Again, the body language!
Anyway…Emelie, you opened my eyes to something that has been in front of me that I paid little attention to. Thank you!

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